Highlights
The path of consent leads ultimately to freedom.
Seeing beneath the surfaces of things and embracing the moment we are in—just as it is…
Like recognizes like.
Putting perspective on our past “spiritual efforts.”
Finding ourselves in the internal and external conditions we are in.
The real purpose of our practice.
Guided Reflection
If possible, use headphones.
Cited Quotations
As every flower fades and as all youth
Departs, so life at every stage,
So every virtue, so our grasp of truth,
Blooms in its day and may not last forever.
Since life may summon us at every age
Be ready, heart, for parting, new endeavor,
Be ready bravely and without remorse
To find new light that old ties cannot give.
In all beginnings dwells a magic force
For guarding us and helping us to live.Serenely let us move to distant places
And let no sentiments of home detain us.
The Cosmic Spirit seeks not to restrain us
But lifts us stage by stage to wider spaces.
If we accept a home of our own making,
Familiar habit makes for indolence.
We must prepare for parting and leave-taking
Or else remain the slaves of permanence.Even the hour of our death may send
Us speeding on to fresh and newer spaces,
And life may summon us to newer races.
So be it, heart: bid farewell without end.”
Hermann Hesse, The Glass Bead Game
They said to him,
“Tell us, who you really are
so we may believe in you.”
He said to them,
“You have learned to read
the face of earth and sky,
but you do not yet recognize
the one standing in your presence,
nor can you make sense of the present moment.”
Logion 91, Gospel of Thomas
Reflection Questions
Is it a big step for you to embrace “like recognizes like” as you look into the manger…? What gets in your way?
What happens in your body when you imagine standing in the doorway of the stable…?
When, through this present perspective, you think about some of your own past efforts to generate a specific emotional and/or spiritual effect, can you chuckle in gentle self-recognition…?